If you’ve never heard of FODMAPs, you’re not alone. Read on to find out how low FODMAP diet plans may be the solution to your digestive woes.
Do certain foods upset your stomach? Do you often feel bloated after a normal meal? Low FODMAP diet plans have shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in various digestive disorders significantly. Low FODMAP diet plans are recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic syndrome characterized by irregular patterns of bowel movements, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no definite cause for IBS, but stress is an important factor.
FODMAPs are implicated in worsening of IBS symptoms, as well as worsening of symptoms in other digestive syndromes. Low FODMAP diet plans are a type of elimination diet, where certain kinds of foods are removed from the daily diet. This has been proven to provide relief from symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, etc.
What Are FODMAPs?
FODMAPs are compounds found in different food items. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Mono-saccharides And Polyols. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates. These are short-chain polymers:
Any FODMAPs that are not properly digested in the small intestine pass into the large intestine. In the large intestine, these undigested FODMAPs get fermented by gut bacteria. This produces gas which causes symptoms like flatulence, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Poor FODMAP intestinal absorption is relatively common in many people, but the appearance of symptoms is rare. FODMAPs can also cause increased fluid accumulation in the intestine, which can result in visible abdominal distention and discomfort.
Where do you find FODMAPs?
If you plan to start low FODMAP diet plans, you need to know in which foods you can find FODMAPs.
How and why you need low FODMAP diet plans
Low FODMAP diet plans are elimination diets that are carefully planned and executed. There has to be close monitoring of the symptoms to see how the food affects the body. Low FODMAP diet plans are recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome, other functional gastrointestinal disorders, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and eczema, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Before starting low FODMAP diet plans, it is best to consult a physician and a dietitian who specializes in low FODMAP diet plans.
Low FODMAP diet plans occur in two phases:
Keep in mind that low FODMAP diet plans don’t involve a complete elimination of food groups on a permanent basis. Doing so would be unhealthy and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. These low FODMAP diet plans are highly specialized and tailor-made for each person. Foods that are permitted during low FODMAP diet plans are as follows:
Low FODMAP diet plans are not designed to be permanent diet. Low FODMAP diet plans can be hard to follow and can place a significant nutritional and financial burden on the patient. Low FODMAP diet plans can sometimes get complicated. For the best results, consult a dietician who can set out a plan for you. Low FODMAP diet plans have shown great efficacy in soothing digestive symptoms.
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